Friday should have revealed to Commanders fans that Adam Peters is leading the way.
Only one day after Adam Schefter intentionally scared Commanders nation with his tweet regarding Josh Harris not merely being present at the NFL Scouting Combine but also participating in interviews of quarterbacks, Peters should have calmed fears on Friday.
Peters who is the leader of Commanders player personnel, Friday began launching his plan, making decisions concerning Commanders’ players. The Commanders announced they are parting ways with tight end Logan Thomas, offensive tackle Charles Leno and center Nick Gates.
I asked new @Commanders GM Adam Peters on @nflnetwork if there was a scenario in which Washington would move UP and trade for the first pick in the Draft. pic.twitter.com/9zGF11k3Et
— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) March 2, 2024
Also on Friday, while at the Combine in Indianapolis, Peters was concise and clear with NFL Network’s Peter Schrager. Schrager inquired, “Is there a scenario where you guys (Commanders) would be willing to trade up to the number one spot and try to get in that number one seat?”
Peters replied, “I think we would do anything to make our team better. We would trade up, trade down. We had a lot of really good conversations with a lot of GMs this week, really productive. We are going to look through every avenue to make our team better.”
Though the Commanders are thin at both tight end and offensive tackle, Peters has determined to go ahead and move on from Thomas and Leno.
They have plenty of cap space, yet Peters made the decision to part with both veterans. The former Virginia Tech quarterback, drafted 120 overall in 2014 had a very productive 2020 season. But following a knee injury in 2021, he never returned to the offensive weapon he was in 2020. Though a fine route runner and receiver, blocking was always a weakness as well.
Leno was scheduled to be the fourth-highest paid Commander in 2024 ($11M) behind only Terry McLaurin, Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen.
Leno did not come into this league with fanfare and the celebrity status of a high draft choice. Just the opposite, he was not drafted until the 7th round (246) in the 2014 NFL Draft.
Through hard work and perseverance, Leno developed into a respected veteran who worked hard, played hard, starting 47 of his 51 games in three seasons with Washington. But he will be age 33 in October, and he is going to undergo hip surgery.
Commanders Wire understands life moves on and thanks both Thomas and Leno for the leadership and effort they provided the Commanders.
Peters, in making these moves now, reveals they are willing to move on despite these two playing better than others at their respective positions. It also shows Peters feels they must get younger and better at these positions.
Put your seat belt on, Commanders fans; this is going to be a busy 2024 offseason.
